Birth Photography Facts

Why hire a birth photographer?

Well thank you for asking! I spent some time writing a Blog about this question and a few "Why birth photography" related questions in the blog below. Definitely give it a read I promise it will be worth it :)

When do you arrive?

I arrive at the hospital, birth center or home when you are in active labor. There are a lot ways to tell whether this the case but usually I wait for word from either your nurse, doula or midwife. I arrive anywhere from 5cm-7cm and stay as long as I need to after that. This is where communication is really key, the more I know from you the more prepared I can be.

How long do you stay?

I offer two different collections. The first includes up to 1 hour after delivery. This is the perfect amount of time to capture that unforgettable energy buzzing all around the room once baby arrives, those first moments, first latch and even some sweet peaceful snuggling. Then I leave my couples to enjoy their first hours alone with baby.

The second collections includes up to 3 hours after delivery. This insures that I am present to capture everything from first exams, daddy skin to skin and even some first meeting with grandparents or siblings if time of day permits.

Some mom's want a chance to shower, change clothes and get some rest before greeting guests or having their other children meet their newest little one. That's why I also offer Fresh 48 sessions as an add on to your Birth Story. This means I'll come back usually the next morning or afternoon to capture 1 hour of sweet first meetings with the whole family and other beautiful Fresh moments. This includes hospital basinet photos, a swaddled up little baby and even more sweet family snuggles.

How do I know if my Dr, Hospital, Center or Midwife allows birth photography?

The best way to know is to ask your care provider flat out. But in most cases they leave that decision up to you. They want you to be able to create the birthing space you envision and thanks to a lot of incredible birth photographers all over the world this form of art is becoming more and more normalized everyday.

A few great birth spaces that love and allow birth photography are, Duke University Hospital, UNC, Duke Regional, Wake Med Cary and Raleigh, Baby Co. and Women's Birth and Wellness Center. (this does not include all hospitals that allow birth photography, if your hospital is not featured on this list feel free to reach out and ask me or your care provider for clarification)

In case of Caesarean or emergency caesarean it may end up being something you need to request with you care provider. Depending on the hospital they may have a no photography policy or only 1 person in the room policy. If you'd like that to be me than I'd love to be there. This can be determined by hospital or by doctor so it's important to ask before hand.

What happens if you miss the birth?

Birth is impossible to schedule and very unpredictable. It's really important to be in contact during the last weeks of pregnancy (starting at 38 weeks) and I do my best to be there with plenty of time to capture your labor, birth and first hours together. In the rare case that your birth moves very fast and I'm unable to get there in time, I still come to tell the story. I stay for as long as I need to (usually 3-4 hours) to capture enough of the story to deliver the same number of quality photos as I would if you're birth had been longer.

For all birth stories even when I'm on call I do have a back up photographer just in case an emergency arises that could keep me from being there.

Do we meet before hand?

Absolutely! I want to meet you and your partner, answer questions in person and calm any fears you might have. I offer a complimentary meeting prior to you making any decision. Let's get a cup of coffee or tea and let's talk birth. I live in Durham, NC right near the Lakewood Cocoa Cinnamon and Bean Traders Inc . I also just want to add to the peace of every birth story I tell and I think turning me from stranger to friend really can help create the best birthing environment.

Do you share every birth on social media?

I do not share every birth on social media. I want to respect you and your level of comfortability for sharing these vulnerable moments. My passion is obviously to get the word out about the beauty and power of birth photography. Allowing me to share your photos goes into the education of mothers everywhere that teaches birth is a beautiful and inspiring part of life that shouldn't be feared.

I do encourage all of my couples to think about what level of privacy they would like to have. We go over a Model Release form that gives each family a unique way to choose their preference when it comes to what photos are shared and where they are shared. Once photos are edited and ready to be delivered I wait to get the final say before sharing anything even if it's according to your model release.

When can we expect our photos after birth?

I make it my mission after every birth story to send you a few sneak peek photos within the first 24 hours after I've left. This way you can use a professionally taken photo for your announcement to the world of your new arrival.

Your full gallery is delivered in 4 weeks after birth(and sometimes even less just depending on how busy I am that month). I love moving quick to fully edit and deliver your story to you.

What is the pricing for Birth Stories?

I offer both birth photography collections and videography collections, check out the Investment guide here to learn more. I do offer payment plans and partial and full gift certificates for you to put on your baby registry or gift to a mom you know may love to have photography in their birthing space.

How far will you travel for birth?

I am local to the Raleigh/ Durham, NC area so it's easy for me to capture births in any of the surrounding areas; Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Apex, Cary, Morrisville ect. I'm also down to travel as far as Greensboro, Fayetteville or Winston-Salem with the understanding that I'll need to add an hour to my arrival time after first contact. If you're even further than that and would still want me to travel to you I'm absolutely down. I've photographed births in Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee and have a plan in place to be there for your birth, so don't hesitate to Inquire